Drop in visitors at UK attractions after terrorist attacks

Merlin Entertainments, which runs Alton Towers and London Eye, says domestic demand for day trips is down since March

13/06/2017 06:00 PM

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ATTRACTIONS: Domestic demand for day trips in the UK have been down since March

VISITORS HAVE avoided major tourist attractions in the wake of recent terror attacks, according to the London Eye and Madame Tussauds owner.

Merlin Entertainments, which also runs the Legoland theme park, also warned that numbers could continue to fall.

Bosses said before the attacks foreign tourists had been flocking to the UK to take advantage of the weak pound.

The company's London Eye sits just next to Westminster Bridge - where the March attack took place.
Merlin said in a statement: "in the immediate aftermath of the Westminster attack on 22 March... the incident did result in a softer domestic, day-trip market.

"However, the subsequent attacks in Manchester and London over the past month have resulted in a further deterioration in domestic demand and, given the typical lag between holiday bookings and visitation, we are also cautious on trends in foreign visitation over the coming months".

“However, the impact of recent terror attacks on our London attractions is unclear at this stage,” said Nick Varney, Merlin’s chief executive.

“What is clear, however, is that London has bounced back before and will do again. I have every confidence in the longer term resilience and growth trajectory of the market. London is very much open for business, welcoming visitors from the UK and from around the world to this exciting and vibrant city.”

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Posted on: 13/06/2017 06:00 PM

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